NEETChemistryChemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
What is a formal charge in the context of polyatomic molecules or ions?
Options
- AThe actual charge on an atom within the molecule
- BThe difference between the number of valence electrons in an isolated atom and the number assigned in the Lewi
- CThe total charge of the molecule or ion
- DThe electronegativity of an atom in a molecule
Correct answer
B. The difference between the number of valence electrons in an isolated atom and the number assigned in the Lewi
Step-by-step solution
The formal charge of an atom in a polyatomic molecule or ion as the difference between the number of valence electrons of that atom in an isolated state and the number of electrons assigned to that atom in the Lewis structure.